Three statues in the Amsterdam-Zuid district were defaced with red paint and the phrase ‘Free Gaza’ spray-painted on them. Among the vandalised statues was the iconic Anne Frank statue located on Merwedeplein, where the hands of the figure were painted red.
The incident was discovered early in the morning by a passerby, who alerted the authorities, reports NOS.
The municipal authorities have taken prompt action, with plans to clean the defaced statues, while the police have launched an investigation. They are appealing to witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the incidents.
According to local broadcaster AT5, at least six statues in the area have been targeted. These include a statue of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi on Churchilllaan and a resistance monument on Apollolaan, both of which also bore the red paint and the word ‘Gaza’.
This marks the second time in a short span that the Anne Frank statue has been defaced. In early July, the statue’s feet were similarly painted red, and ‘Gaza’ was spray-painted on the pedestal.
The statue, located on Merwedeplein, commemorates Anne Frank, who lived there with her family from 1933 until 1942 before they went into hiding.
Tragically, Anne Frank and her family were discovered 80 years ago today, on 4 August 1944, and subsequently deported.
Anne Frank died in early 1945 at the age of 15 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Her diary, documenting her experiences during the war, was published posthumously and has become an important historical document.
The Anne Frank Foundation has expressed deep dismay over the vandalism.
Ronald Leopold, the foundation’s general director, stated, “This act of vandalism deeply affects us. The statue serves as a poignant reminder of a young girl with ambitions and dreams, who was murdered solely because she was Jewish.”
The foundation plans to file a formal complaint regarding the incident.
The city of Amsterdam has also condemned the acts, with a spokesperson for Mayor Femke Halsema describing the vandalism as “disrespectful and disgraceful.” The spokesperson assured that the defaced monuments would be cleaned as swiftly as possible.
The police are currently investigating whether there is a connection between the various incidents of vandalism. They are actively seeking witnesses and gathering evidence to identify the perpetrators responsible for these acts.
The incidents have sparked a debate about the protection of public monuments and the broader implications of such actions.
Whilst the graffiti’s message points to a political statement concerning the situation in Gaza, the choice of targets, especially the Anne Frank statue, has been met with widespread condemnation due to the sensitive historical and cultural significance of the monument.
Image source: NOS.nl
Read also:
US Warns of Possible Iranian Strike on Israel on Monday August 5th
Click here for more News & Current Affairs at EU Today
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eutoday1049
